Take a wine tour in B.C.’s Fraser Valley

by Megan Jones

Looking for a quick day trip from Vancouver? Hit the road and set out on a picture-perfect wine tour in B.C.'s scenic Fraser Valley. This jam-packed itinerary includes stops at four of the region's best wineries, complete with ideas for eating, shopping and sightseeing along the way in beautiful Langley, B.C. [Image courtesy of Backyard Vineyards; photo credit: Sam Kaczur]

Leaving from the city, turn off the Trans Canada Highway toward historic Fort Langley, where you’ll fuel up before continuing on to South Langley – aka: Vancouver’s wine country.

• Grab a coffee at Wendel’s Bookstre & Café, where you can browse as you sip.
• Haven’t eaten yet? Head to Beatniks Bistro, a funky house converted into a restaurant serving comforting Canadian favorites like pancakes, and eggs and hash.
• On your way back to the car, browse a local boutique such as Into Chocolate Candy & Confections or hunt for treasures at the Village Antiques Mall.

From Fort Langley, it’s a 20-minute drive south to two of South Langley’s most esteemed wineries.

• Backyard Vineyards is both a winery and a vineyard, which means you can enjoy several varieties of wines in their cozy tasting room, and take a guided tour of their sprawling estate and winery. With dozens upon dozens of award-winning wines, you’re sure to walk away with a bottle or two...or three...or four.
• Vista D’oro Farms & Winery overlooks gorgeous Campbell Valley Park and Golden Ears Mountain Range. Here, you can taste a variety of wines plus visit a farm producing local orchard fruits available for purchase in the quaint Farmgate Shop.

For a simple lunch that won’t spoil your dinner, check out Glenwood Pizza & Pasta Shop, a well-loved, straight-forward joint serving handmade pizzas to go. Picnic with your pizza in stunning Campbell Valley Park, where deciduous forests shelter from rain or shine. Next, walk off all that cheese with a stroll to the Annand/Rowlatt Farmstead, with restored buildings dating back to 1898. Make sure to visit the Lochiel Schoolhouse, which was built in 1924 and operated as a one-room school until 1975.

After your stint in the great outdoors, get ready for another round of delicious wine tastings.

• The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at Township 7 Vineyards & Winery is an 86-year-old former horse stable; inside you’ll enjoy not horseback riding but wine tastings plus – depending on the day – art exhibitions, live music, or performances.
• Chaberton Estate Winery is arguably the most prestigious winery in South Langley, with literally hundreds of awards on its labels. Here, you can taste 20+ wines and tour the estate; tours commence at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm daily.

Once you’ve tasted your fill of authentic wines, take note of your favourites, and settle in for a meal at Chaberton's Bacchus Bistro. Open for dinner from Thursday through Saturday, this elegant French bistro overlooks the vineyard’s 55 acres, where Chaberton wines are paired expertly with an a-la-carte menu that showcases locally grown ingredients.

After a long day of drinking, eating, and exploring, Bacchus’ royal treatment will seem like the cherry on top of an epic day in the Fraser Valley!